ferry Nápoles Balearia
ferry Nápoles
âš“ The Nápoles is a ro-pax ferry operated by Baleària with one of the most varied careers in the fleet: she has worked routes to the Balearics and across the Strait, and today she is the regular ship on the Málaga–Melilla route. Her chief claim to fame is being the first ferry in the Baleària fleet re-engined to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which made her a standard-bearer for the operator's green strategy long before the new-build vessels arrived. At 186 metres long, with room for 1,600 passengers and 481 vehicles, she combines high capacity with low-emission propulsion.
She was built in 2002 at the Cantiere Navale Visentini yard (Porto Viro, Italy) as hull number 193 for the Italian operator Tomasos Transport & Tourism (TTT Lines) under the name Partenope — the historic name of the city of Naples. She worked the Naples–Catania route alongside her sister ship Trinacria. In 2015 Baleària brought her into its fleet and renamed her Nápoles, first on charter and then buying her outright in early 2018.
The most significant milestone in her recent history was her conversion to LNG: in January 2019, Baleària took the Nápoles to the Gibdock shipyard in Gibraltar to replace her original MAN 9L48/60 engines with two new dual-fuel MAN 9L51/60DF units (diesel and LNG), making her the first ship in the fleet to undergo the gas retrofit as part of the operator's programme of six conversions, co-funded by European Union CEF money at an investment of 12 million euros per ship. Thanks to the change, the Nápoles cuts her COâ‚‚ emissions by more than 9,100 tonnes a year, eliminates sulphur and particulate emissions entirely, and reduces NOx by 85%.
History and background of the ship
The Nápoles was launched on 29 December 2001 at the Visentini yard in Porto Viro (build number 193) under the name Partenope and delivered on 13 May 2002 to Visemar di Navigazione, which put her into service that same month on the Naples–Catania routes under the TTT Lines brand. In June 2006 she suffered an engine failure at sea and had to be towed back to Naples by her sister ship Trinacria.
In April 2015 she was sold to Stena Line and immediately chartered to Baleària, which renamed her Nápoles and put her on the Barcelona–Ibiza routes on 11 May. In September 2017 she was bought by Kanalion Maritime Co. Ltd., remaining on charter to Baleària. In November 2018 she went to the Gibraltar yard to have dual-fuel diesel/LNG engines fitted, returning in February 2019 to the Algeciras–Tanger Med route, where she works today. Her record includes two collisions: with the Carolina Star in July 2019 near Tanger Med, and with the container ship Laust Maersk in March 2022 on the Málaga–Melilla route.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax ferry (passengers and rolling freight) |
| Length overall | 186.25 m |
| Beam | 25.6 m |
| Draught | 6.2 m |
| Maximum speed | 23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,600 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 481 cars |
| Freight lane metres | 1,100 lane metres |
| Propulsion | 2 dual-fuel MAN 9L51/60DF engines · LNG + diesel |
| Total power output | 18,900 kW |
| Building shipyard | Cantiere Navale Visentini (Porto Viro, Italy) |
| Hull number | 193 |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Year of LNG conversion | 2019 (Gibdock shipyard, Gibraltar) |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| IMO number | 9243423 |
| MMSI | 209106000 |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 24,409 GT |
| Original name | Partenope (TTT Lines, Italy) |
| Joined Baleària | 2015 (charter) · 2018 (ownership) |
| Conversion investment | 12 million euros (20% EU CEF funds) |
| Smart Ship | Yes (Baleària SmartB) |
| Pet friendly | Yes (dedicated area with video monitoring) |
| Reduced-mobility access | Yes (lifts and adapted cabins) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Málaga → Melilla | ~6 h 30 min | ~23:30 (Tue–Fri) · ~19:00 (Mon) |
| Melilla → Málaga | ~6 h 30 min | ~15:30 (Tue–Fri) · ~07:30 (Mon and Sat) |
| Barcelona → Ibiza (seasonal) | ~8 h | ~22:30 |
| Ibiza → Barcelona (seasonal) | ~8 h | ~10:30 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season, weekly frequency and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The Málaga–Melilla route: what to bear in mind
The Málaga–Melilla route covers some 112 nautical miles (roughly 207 km) across the Alboran Sea, with a crossing of about 6 hours 30 minutes. As many of the sailings are overnight, travelling in a cabin is the most comfortable way to arrive rested. The usual frequency is 6 sailings a week, though this can increase in high season.
The Port of Melilla sits at the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar, on the North African coast. Although the autonomous city is part of Spain, it borders Morocco, so you will need valid documents (a current Spanish ID card or passport). If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45–60 minutes is enough. Over Easter and in July and August it is worth allowing extra time and booking weeks in advance.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A Sirena (standard) seat on the Málaga–Melilla route starts at roughly €61 each way in mid season. Cabins start at around €191. Residents of Melilla benefit from substantial discounts that bring seat fares down to as little as €15.
Available discounts:
- Melilla resident: special discount on the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the most significant discount on this route.
- Children under 12: 50% off the ticket.
- Youth card / Senior card: 20% off for passengers up to 30 or over 60.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts, plus exclusive benefits in the onboard shops and bar.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Looking for the lowest price, on a daytime crossing | Sirena seat |
| Wanting more room and privacy, but still in a seat | Neptuno seat (Superior) |
| On an overnight crossing, or wanting a proper rest | Inside or outside cabin |
| With small children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| With a pet | Seat or cabin + place in the pet area |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin |
ferry Nápoles · Accommodations
Sirena seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every area on board. Ideal for travellers who put price first and do not need to sleep on board.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ The lowest fare available
Neptuno seat · Superior
A restricted-access lounge with larger seats, more legroom between rows and greater privacy. The best choice if you want more comfort without going as far as a cabin.
✓ Roomier seats than in Sirena class
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ Greater privacy
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
Lobby Bar · Social area
A space with leather armchairs and glass tables, ideal for anyone who prefers a more relaxed, sociable setting during the crossing. One of the most sought-after options on daytime sailings.
✓ Leather armchairs and glass tables
✓ Relaxed, sociable setting
✓ Access to the bar
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
Cabin · Private
The most comfortable option on the Nápoles, particularly worthwhile on overnight crossings. Cabins with 2 or 4 berths, climate control and a private bathroom. Bed linen, towels and toiletries are included. Cabins adapted for passengers with reduced mobility are also available.
✓ Private cabin (2 or 4 berths)
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individual climate control
✓ Bed linen, towels and toiletries included
✓ Smart TV on board
✓ Adapted accessible cabins available
ferry Nápoles · On-board services
Café, restaurant and onboard shop
The Nápoles has a full range of food and drink for every crossing: a self-service restaurant with hot dishes, salads and desserts; a bar and café serving snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks; and an outdoor bar from which to enjoy the views over the Alboran Sea. The onboard shop sells essentials, souvenirs and travel products throughout the crossing.
Outside deck and leisure area
The Nápoles has an outside deck from which to enjoy the views over the Alboran Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar during the crossing. In high season, Baleària runs entertainment on board, from children's workshops to live music and massages.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Nápoles is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, with lifts, easier access between decks and cabins specifically equipped for passengers with special needs. If you need particular assistance, it is best to tell Baleària when you book.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — Smart Ship
The Nápoles is a Baleària Smart Ship, with integrated digital technology to improve the passenger experience on board:
- Free WhatsApp throughout the crossing (without using your mobile data)
- WiFi connection on board
- Smart TV in the cabins
- On-demand digital entertainment through a content platform
- Pet video monitoring viewable from your mobile device
- Baleària's Entreolas magazine, with travel, culture and food features
Sustainability: Baleària's first ferry re-engined to run on LNG
The Nápoles holds the distinction of being the first ship in the Baleària fleet to complete the conversion to liquefied natural gas, leading the way for the programme of six retrofits the operator carried out between 2019 and 2022. Thanks to the engine change at the Gibdock shipyard in Gibraltar, the environmental gains are considerable:
−30%
COâ‚‚ emissions
−85%
NOx emissions
−100%
Sulphur and particulates
In concrete terms, the conversion of the Nápoles saves more than 9,100 tonnes of COâ‚‚ a year and 871 tonnes of NOx, the equivalent of the emissions of 6,000 ordinary cars or of planting 18,000 trees. The 12-million-euro investment per ship was 20% co-funded by European Union CEF money, after the Baleària fleet conversion project was rated as excellent.
Nápoles vs Sicilia: Baleària's two Visentini sisters
The Nápoles and the Sicilia are sister ships built in 2002 at the same Visentini shipyard for TTT Lines. Here is how they compare today:
| Feature | Nápoles | Sicilia |
|---|---|---|
| Original name | Partenope | Trinacria |
| Year built | 2002 | 2002 |
| Length overall | 186.25 m | 186.25 m |
| Passenger capacity | 1,600 | 1,600 |
| LNG conversion | 2019 (1st) | 2020 |
| Retrofit shipyard | Gibdock, Gibraltar | Gibdock, Gibraltar |
| Current route | Málaga–Melilla | Balearic routes |
| Smart Ship | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions about the Nápoles ferry
Which routes does Baleària's Nápoles ferry operate?
She works mainly the Málaga–Melilla route, with 6 sailings a week. In season she has also provided extra capacity on the Barcelona–Ibiza route and elsewhere on the Baleària network as operational needs dictate.
How long does the Nápoles take from Málaga to Melilla?
The crossing takes roughly 6 hours 30 minutes across the Alboran Sea, covering some 112 nautical miles. Exact times vary with the day of the week. Check the exact time here.
Does the Nápoles carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle deck for up to 481 vehicles and 1,100 lane metres of rolling freight. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand with all your vehicle documents up to date.
What accommodation does the Nápoles ferry have?
Four options: the Sirena seat (standard, the cheapest), the Neptuno seat (superior, with more room), the Lobby Bar (leather armchairs in a sociable setting) and private cabins with 2 or 4 berths and a private bathroom. There are also adapted accessible cabins.
Is there free WiFi on the Nápoles?
Yes. The Nápoles is a Baleària Smart Ship with WiFi on board, free WhatsApp that does not use your data, a Smart TV in the cabins and on-demand digital entertainment. She also has pet video monitoring you can watch from your phone.
Are pets allowed on the Nápoles?
Yes. The Nápoles is pet friendly and has a dedicated area with video monitoring so that owners can see their animals from their phones. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Pets must be vaccinated and microchipped.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts, adapted access between decks and cabins specifically equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. If you need particular assistance, tell Baleària when you book.
What fuel does the Nápoles use, and why does it matter?
The Nápoles was the first ship in the Baleària fleet to be re-engined to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), in 2019. Her new dual-fuel MAN 9L51/60DF engines cut COâ‚‚ by 30% and NOx by 85% and eliminate sulphur and particulate emissions, the equivalent of taking 6,000 cars off the road each year.
How much does a Málaga–Melilla ticket on the Nápoles cost?
The Sirena seat starts at around €61 each way. Cabins start at around €191. Residents of Melilla can find seats from €15. Prices go up in summer and over public holidays, so it is worth booking ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a Melilla resident discount?
Yes. Residents of Melilla are entitled to a special discount that can bring a seat ticket down to as little as €15. They must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). There is also a 50% discount for children under 12 and 20% for young people or passengers over 60.
How early should I get to the port to board?
By car: at least 90 minutes. As a foot passenger: 45–60 minutes. Over Easter and in July and August it is worth allowing extra time. The Málaga–Melilla route is in heavy demand over public holidays and long weekends.
Do I need a passport to travel to Melilla?
Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city, so Spanish and EU citizens can travel on a valid national ID card. That said, as the city is surrounded by Morocco, it is worth taking your passport too if you plan to cross the land border during your stay.
What was the Nápoles originally called, and where does the name come from?
The Nápoles was originally called Partenope — the historic name of the city of Naples, from which the modern name derives. She was built in 2002 by the Visentini shipyard in Porto Viro (Italy) for the Italian operator TTT Lines, working the Naples–Catania route alongside her sister ship Trinacria (today the Sicilia with Baleària).
Which ship is the Nápoles's sister?
The Nápoles's sister ship is the Sicilia (ex Trinacria), also with Baleària. Both were built in 2002 at the Visentini shipyard with identical technical specifications, and both have been converted to LNG. The Sicilia currently works the Balearic routes while the Nápoles covers Málaga–Melilla.
